Rangko Cave Labuan Bajo
Swim in a hidden cave pool with crystal-clear turquoise waters, illuminated by sunlight for a magical glow.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunlight creates magical glow
Rangko Cave Labuan Bajo
Best Time
Sunlight creates magical glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Swim in a hidden cave pool with crystal-clear turquoise waters, illuminated by sunlight for a magical glow.
"Swim in a cave with crystal-clear waters and limestone formations, a truly unique experience. 
🤝 Share the Boat Cost
Bargain for boat fares and share with other visitors to save money. :moneybag:
☀️ Aim for Afternoon Sun
Visit around 2 PM for the best light and the iconic emerald blue water glow. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal-Clear Blue Pool
Inside the cave
Swim in an otherworldly natural pool with stunning turquoise waters, illuminated by sunlight filtering through the cave.
Sunlight Beam Effect
Cave interior
Witness the magical moment when sunlight streams through the cave ceiling, making the water glow.
Limestone Formations
Cave walls
Admire the unique stalactites and natural rock formations that adorn the cave's interior.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Ride & Bargaining
Best Time for Emerald Waters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Share the Boat Cost
Bargain for boat fares and share with other visitors to save money. :moneybag:
☀️ Aim for Afternoon Sun
Visit around 2 PM for the best light and the iconic emerald blue water glow. :camerawithflash:
👟 Watch Your Step
Cave stairs can be slippery; wear appropriate footwear or go barefoot in the water. :athletic_shoe:
🔦 Bring a Waterproof Torch
Useful for exploring darker corners and spotting sparrow nests. [^R]
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Share the Boat Cost
Bargain for boat fares and share with other visitors to save money. :moneybag:
☀️ Aim for Afternoon Sun
Visit around 2 PM for the best light and the iconic emerald blue water glow. :camerawithflash:
👟 Watch Your Step
Cave stairs can be slippery; wear appropriate footwear or go barefoot in the water. :athletic_shoe:
🔦 Bring a Waterproof Torch
Useful for exploring darker corners and spotting sparrow nests. [^R]
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect a small entrance fee: Rp 20K for locals, Rp 50K for foreigners. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rangko Cave is a stunning natural wonder, praised for its crystal-clear turquoise pool and the magical glow created by sunlight. Visitors love the unique swimming experience and the otherworldly beauty. Some find the boat hire expensive if not shared, and the cave stairs can be slippery.
"To get there, you’ll need to take a boat. The round-trip fare is usually around 500K, but if you’re lucky, you can bargain it down to 400K. The price per person depends on how many people are sharing the boat, so if you’re only two, it’s worth inviting other visitors to join so everyone pays less.
Once you arrive, there’s a small entrance fee: 20K for locals and 50K for foreigners. The best time to visit is around 2 pm, when sunlight streams into the cave, making the water glow a magical emerald blue. It’s the perfect moment for photos and to just soak in the beauty of the place.
The cave is absolutely stunning, hopefully not too crowded when you go. Just watch your step, as the stairs inside can be a little slippery. All in all, it’s a spot you really shouldn’t miss!"
Trifena Stephanie
"Easy to visit the place on your own- just organize yourself a boat in the harbor- we paid 500.000.
Walking can be done with flip flops and takes about 5-10 min.
Cave reminded me at a „cenote“ in Yucatan Mexico. Nice swim in the cave and the beach.
You can also have some refreshments at the beach."
Ursula Schuller
"This was an out of the ordinary experience of swimming in a cave. The start of journey was a bit daunting, because you’ll be greeted by locals who offered boat service to the cave. We went there on our own with a bike (didn’t take tour package). Expect to pay Rp250,000 per person for the boat + Rp50,000 cave entrance fee. Best time to visit is noon (less crowded) as the tour crowd will come at 2pm."
Andrew Ling
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Rangko Cave by renting a motorbike to Tanjung Boleng (about 30-45 minutes) and then arranging a local boat. Alternatively, many tours include transport.
Boat round-trip fares are usually around Rp 500,000, but you can often bargain down to Rp 400,000. Sharing the boat with other travelers is highly recommended to reduce costs.
Yes, you can organize a boat directly from the harbor. This gives you more flexibility in terms of timing and potentially better negotiation on price. [^R]
It's quite easy to visit independently by renting a motorbike and then hiring a local boat. This offers a more adventurous and potentially cheaper experience than a guided tour.
The boat ride to Rangko Cave is typically about 15 minutes from the nearest beach access point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Rangko Cave is Rp 20,000 for locals and Rp 50,000 for foreigners.
No, advance booking is generally not required. You pay the entrance fee upon arrival and arrange your boat hire separately. [^R]
The main costs are the boat hire and the entrance fee. Be sure to confirm the boat price before departing to avoid surprises.
While there are no strict official hours, the best time to visit for the light effect is around 1 PM to 2 PM. It's advisable to check with locals for any specific closing times. [^R]
The entrance fee typically covers access to the cave and swimming. Confirm with the local boat operator or at the entrance. [^R]
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The water is incredibly clear and has a beautiful turquoise or emerald blue hue, especially when the sunlight hits it. It's a natural saltwater pool.
Yes, swimming is one of the main activities at Rangko Cave. The clear, calm water makes it a very enjoyable experience.
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that can get wet. Flip-flops or sandals are fine for the walk, and most people swim barefoot or in water shoes. [^R]
Contrary to initial impressions, the sounds and movements in the cave are often from sparrow nests, not bats. A waterproof torch can help you see them. [^R]
Absolutely! The cave offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially around 2 PM when the sunlight creates a magical glow.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The golden hour for photography is around 2 PM when sunlight streams into the cave, illuminating the water with a vibrant emerald blue.
A waterproof camera or phone case is highly recommended for capturing shots while swimming. A wide-angle lens can help capture the cave's scale.
Try to arrive earlier in the day, around 1 PM, before the main tour groups arrive. Visiting on a weekday might also mean fewer people. [^R]
The area where the sunlight beams directly onto the water is the most iconic spot. Experiment with different angles from the cave entrance and within the water.
A tripod might be difficult to use due to the wet and potentially uneven surfaces. Consider a monopod or stabilizing your shots against cave walls if needed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The short boat ride to the cave can also be an adventure in itself for kids. +1 Remember to bring swim diapers if needed and keep a close eye on younger children, especially near the cave entrance and on the slippery steps. Consider visiting earlier in the day, around 1 PM, to avoid the peak crowds and allow children to enjoy the cave more peacefully. [^R] Packing snacks and drinks is a good idea, as facilities are limited. The novelty of swimming in a cave is likely to be a highlight of your family's trip to Labuan Bajo.
💰 Budget Travelers
When hiring a boat, be prepared to bargain and, most importantly, try to team up with other travelers at the harbor to share the cost. Bring your own water and snacks, as purchasing them at the site can be more expensive. [^R] The entrance fee is relatively low, especially for locals, so factor that into your budget.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To get the best shots without crowds, aim for an earlier arrival around 1 PM or visit on a weekday. [^R] Experiment with different angles, focusing on the interplay of light and water.
A wide-angle lens will help capture the cave's expansive feel. Don't forget a waterproof torch to explore the cave's nooks and crannies, which can add an interesting dimension to your photography. [^R]Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Rangko Cave
+4 Upon arrival at the coastal area, you'll need to find a local who offers boat services to the cave. This often involves asking around in small villages near the coast. +1 The boat ride itself is usually short, around 15 minutes, and offers scenic views of the coastline. While tours are available and can simplify logistics, organizing your own transport and boat can be more cost-effective, especially if you're traveling in a group. [^R] The key is to be prepared for some negotiation, particularly for the boat hire. Prices can vary, but aiming for around Rp 400,000-500,000 for a round trip is common, with sharing the cost being the most economical approach.
For those seeking a more integrated experience, some tours combine Rangko Cave with snorkeling stops along the way, adding extra value to your journey.
Regardless of how you get there, the short drive and boat ride are part of the charm, leading you to a truly unique natural wonder. The Magic of the Cave Pool
+1 [^R] This natural saltwater pool is perfect for a refreshing swim, offering a unique experience of bathing within a cave. +1 [^R]The cave's interior is adorned with fascinating limestone formations, including stalactites, which add to the mystical ambiance.
The real magic, however, happens around 2 PM when the sun's rays stream through openings in the cave ceiling. This creates a spectacular light show, making the water glow and casting ethereal patterns on the cave walls. +1 [^R]Visitors often describe the experience as surreal and unforgettable.
+1 While the cave is generally safe, the stairs leading down can be a bit slippery, so wearing appropriate footwear or being mindful of your steps is advised. Photography at Rangko Cave
+1 [^R]To make the most of your photo opportunities, consider bringing a waterproof camera or a reliable phone case, as you'll likely want to capture images from within the water.
A wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the scale of the cave and its formations. If you're aiming for shots without other people, try to visit earlier in the day, around 1 PM, or on a weekday to avoid the peak crowds that gather for the afternoon light. [^R]While a tripod might be challenging to use on the wet surfaces, stabilizing your camera against cave walls or using a monopod can help achieve sharper images.
Be aware of the sparrow nests hidden in the cave's recesses; a waterproof torch can help you spot them and add an interesting element to your photos. [^R] The combination of the crystal-clear water, dramatic light, and unique rock formations ensures that every shot taken at Rangko Cave will be memorable.
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